Music

Music is the heartbeat of New Orleans. Historically, music traveling in the streets began in the late 1800s, a claim that can be made by no other American city.

Virtually every night dozens of clubs, all over town, offer live music that can range from average to extraordinary. Whatever you do, go out and experience the nightlife, hear some music and catch the vibe. Imagine, this is just a short list of the full array of music venues.

Music Stores

Louisiana Music Factory, Marigny (free performances)

Peaches Records, Uptown, (free performances)

Bourbon Street Clubs

Mostly, Bourbon Street offers an open-air party except for a few remaining clubs worth your time to explore. Keep in mind that in New Orleans "to go" drinks are legal. Since every bar offers paper cups, order something special at a good cocktail bar and ask for a “go-cup”.

Jazz Playhouse is in the Royal Sonesta Hotel
Preferred seating $20. Non-reserved, no cover charge (Brass-a-Holics every Thursday)

Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub small club on Bourbon St. with live jazz beginning in the afternoon 

Preservation Hall

Frenchmen Street 
Within three short blocks Frenchmen Street has more music clubs than most cities. You will find “your place” on Frenchmen Street by listening as you walk by the small clubs. Some have small cover charges...don't forget to tip the musicians!

13 Monaghan

30/90

Bamboula’s (mostly Blues)

Spotted Cat 

Blue Nile

Café Negril

d.b.a.

Snug Harbor

The Maison

Frenchmen Hotel

Favorites Around Town

Chickie Wah Wah New owners, recently reopened, easy club for listening

Bayou Bar, in the Pontchartrain Hotel on St. Charles Ave.  (world class modern jazz during the week)

Tipitina’s  (various genres, standing concert style)

Broadside Outdoor venue, re-opens for the season, March 2023

Maple Leaf Bar NO style music

Bullet’s Sports Bar (great music, reasonable drinks)

Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar (smoking bar with good jazz)

Siberia Lounge (punk, indie and underground music)

Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge (Kermit cooks and plays his trumpet)

Howlin’ Wolf (expansive venue, Home of Hot 8 Brass)

Good Friends Bar (laid-back, neighborhood gay bar)

Vaughan’s Lounge (soul, spirit love and amazing music)

Finn McCool's Irish Pub (good sports bar, especially soccer, trivia night)